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Up to 1922 it was generally accepted that a 2 1/2" gauge loco, a popular size at the time, was sufficient to haul a few semi-scale coaches on a scenic line, but could do no more.
Along came LBSC with an article claiming that such an engine could haul passengers.
His models were coal fired with a locomotive boiler, whereas the majority were spirit fired water tube boilers, much like the Mamod steam engines which one still sees.
It is often said that the main opponent to LBSC was Henry Greenly, but in fact, Greenly was largely in agreement with LBSC, but as he, Greenly, was employed by Bassett Lowke, he was in a difficult position. For it was Bassett Lowke, then the UK's largest seller of spirit fired locomotives who were the main
objectors.
Bssett Lowke made the mistake of virtually-claiming that LBSC was a liar, whereupon LBSC issued a
challenge, and LBSC ran Ayesha on a demonstration at the SMEE Exhibition in London.
(The name Ayesha comes from a character in "She", a novel by H. Rider Haggard, the same source as the phrase "She who must be obeyed").
Neither side was satisfied, and so at the 1924 ME Exhibition, both parties agreed to a contest to settle who was correct.
Bassett Lowke built a special 2-8-2 with added weight, whereas LBSC used a 4-4-2 Ayesha, in standard form.
The contest was to haul a live driver for 15 minutes continuously, and both succeeded, with LBSC hauling the heavier load but B-L's loco making the longer run, and so both were able to claim victory on different technical grounds, but LBSC was generally accepted to be the winner, as his was much the smaller engine.
LBSC had just started writing articles for ME, which continued through to the 1960's.
He had numerous detractors, including K.N.Harris. KN was critical of some of Curlys instructions, such as using a tram ticket as a guide to setting valves.
KN came from an engineering background and had a fully equipped workshop, whereas Curly was writing for the ordinary guy who probably only had a lathe, often treadle operated, and no measuring equipment beyond a 6" rule.
Even in the 1950's micrometers were an expensive luxury.
Thus their differing backgrounds made agreement impossible.
Today, many people dismiss LBSC or are critical of his designs.
It is true that some features are outdated with modern technology and ideas, but the fact remains that if anyone picks an engine such as Maisie, and follows the "words and music", they will end up with a loco which with the addition of coal and water will haul a surprising load.
True, it is not strictly to scale and lacks some of the detailing which we are now used to. Rivet counters need not apply!
But, it WILL work, and can be built with minimal knowledge and no prior experience.
I know because I did build one by following LBSC, when I was in my mid-teens.
LBSC certainly enabled more people to join this hobby with his simple instructions than has anyone else.
It is quite plausible to attribute much of the size and popularity of model engineering today at his door.
Interestingly, he is the ONLY model engine designer to be admitted to membership of the Institute of Locomotive Engineers, and was friendly with many of the designers of full-size locomotives but in fact,
designed more locomotives than any of them.
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